Siam Treasures tour
Siam Treasures tour
Siam Treasures tour
18 Days Starting and ending in 13.723419,100.476234
Visiting: Thailand
Tour operator:
Tour code:
23
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Age range:
8-95
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Experience all that Thailand has to offer on this comprehensive 18 day trip beginning in the capital Bangkok before heading north to trek among the local hill tribes. Then discover the rainforests of central Thailand before spending 3 relaxing days on the tropical island of Ko Samui.
This is a sample private tour itinerary and we can customise the daily itinerary, duration and accommodation levels and styles as much or as little as you wish.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Day 1: Arrive Into Bangkok: Transfer To Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bangkok hotel
Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Bangkok for the start of your trip.
Single room supplement (THSGST), Extra day in Bangkok - pre-tour
Day 2 : Day 2: Bangkok: City Tour
Accommodation Name: On board sleeper train
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour begins with a a fun way to discover Bangkok's unmistakable 'Kwam-Pen-Thai' (Thai-ness) as we use various modes of public transport such as tuk tuks, BTS Skytrain, public long-tailed boats etc. The tour takes in the Grand Palace and old Rattanakosin Island, and our guides make every tour a little bit different so a true Bangkok is uncovered. Late in the afternoon we have time for tasty snack before boarding the train to Chiang Mai.
Day 3 : Day 3: Arrive In Chiang Mai: Free Day
Accommodation Name: Chiang Mai hotel
We arrive into Chiang Mai this morning where the rest of the day is free to explore the city. Nestled amongst some of the highest mountains in Thailand, Chiang Mai retains a relaxed feel to it. Head to the impressive local zoo or visit one of the nearby Buddhist temples before dining out in one of the city's many restaurants.
Day 4 : Day 4: Start Jungle Trek Adventure
Accommodation Name: Village huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Chiang Mai this morning we travel to the colourful market at Mae Malai before carrying on to the lush Pang Lan Waterfalls. After lunch we begin our trek into the Huay Nam Dang National Park and walk on to the traditional Karen village of Baan Mae Jok where we stop for the night in order to learn more about the culture of the local hill-tribes.
Day 5 : Day 5: Jungle Trekking
Accommodation Name: Village huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Awakening to cool mountain breezes we enjoy breakfast this morning before we trek on through the tropical jungle to the village of Baan Pa Khao Lam. We continue through the forest before arriving later today at the rafting camp.
Day 6 : Day 6: Bamboo Rafting: Return To Chiang Mai
Accommodation Name: Chiang Mai hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
On our final day in the jungle we experience bamboo rafting along the Mae Tang river. Cruising along the tropical riverbanks in our bamboo rafts we make stops at small tribal settlements before finally arriving into Shan village where we transfer back to Chiang Mai.
Day 7 : Day 7: Chiang Mai: Free Day: Overnight Train To Bangkok
Accommodation Name: On board sleeper train
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is kept free to relax after the trek. You could take in a local Thai cooking course, explore the markets and alleyways of Chiang Mai on foot or relieve any tired muscles with a relaxing local massage. Transfer to the train station for the overnight train to Bangkok.
Day 8 : Day 8: Arrive In Bangkok. Free Day
Accommodation Name: Bangkok hotel
We arrive back into the Thai capital this morning and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Bangkok at your leisure. Visit the lively area around Patpong, drop in on a snake farm or browse round Bangkok's many modern shopping centres.
Day 9 : Day 9: Bangkok: Canal Tour: Overnight Train To Surat Thani
Accommodation Name: On board sleeper train
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we discover historical Bangkok as we enjoy a boat tour of the city's old canals, stopping off at lively river markets to observe the rituals of daily life that have hardly changed in hundreds of years. We then visit the former royal palace at Vimanmek - home to the world's largest golden teakwood mansion. This evening we transfer to the train station for the overnight train to Surat Thani.
Day 10 : Day 10: Arrive In Surat Thani: Transfer To Khao Sok National Park
Accommodation Name: Khao Sok tree-house
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Arriving into Surat Thani this morning we then make the short journey into Khao Sok National Park. This verdant and tropical rainforest will be our home for the next 3 nights as we discover the flora and fauna unique to this part of the world. In the afternoon we take to the river for 2 hours of canoeing (or tubing!) and also visit a local temple famous for the monkeys that are kept here. Later you'll experience the night-time jungle up close by sleeping in tree houses.
Day 11 : Day 11: Khao Sok Activities
Accommodation Name: Khao Sok tree-house
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start today with a 4-hour guided trek through the beautiful Khao Sok national park whose rich flora and fauna is famous throughout Thailand. After lunch head to a local elephant camp where you can get up close to these amazing animals. Head back to your tree house via Mai Yai waterfall and spend the evening relaxing after a long day and enjoying eating some local specialities.
Day 12 : Day 12: Khao Sok Activities
Accommodation Name: Khao Sok raft-house
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving our tree house accommodation this morning we travel to Cheow Lan Lake and our raft houses, surrounded by the spectacular limestone cliffs and forested scenery. After lunch we trek through the nearby jungle to a beautiful local lagoon where you have the chance to explore a stunning cave, famous for its stalactite and stalagmite formations. Then, return to the Raft house for dinner and to relax under the stars.
Day 13 : Day 13: Drive And Ferry From Khao Sok To Ko Samui
Accommodation Name: Ko Samui hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we swap the rainforest for the beautiful tropical island of Ko Samui on the South China Sea. Departing Khao Sok we travel back to Surat Thani from where we catch the ferry to the island and transfer to te hotel.
Day 14-16: Ko Samui: Free Time
Accommodation Name: Ko Samui hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The next 3 days are yours to explore the sun-drenched island of Ko Samui at your own leisure. With many incredible dive sites dotted around the island this is a great place to arrange any diving or snorkelling options or just relax on one of the islands many golden and idyllic beaches.
Day 17 : Day 17: Ko Samui: Fly To Bangkok
Accommodation Name: Bangkok hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Saying farewell to our tropical island paradise we transfer to the airport for the short flight back to Bangkok. Upon arrival we transfer to the hotel.
Day 18 : Day 18: Bangkok: Free Time: Transfer To Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your day is free for some last chance shopping and exploring around Bangkok before we transfer you to the airport for departure flight.
Extra day in Bangkok - post-tour
What's Included
What's Not Included
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- International Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Single room supplements (chargeable if a same-sex room share is not available)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
- Tips for tour leader, rafting guide and park guide
- Any other items not mentioned above
Mode of Transport
A/C minibus
Sleeper train
Local ferry & flight
Accommodation
3 to 4-star hotels
Sleeper train
Trekking huts
Raft house
Tree house
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
At Encounters Travel we aim to only use local Thai guides and reps. We feel this gives you the best experience of the country and the sites you are seeing. Please check our website for more details and profiles of some of our most famous guides.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:
Thailand: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Vietnam: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from an infected area.
Cambodia: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Laos: Additional vaccinations: Diptheria, Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from an infected area.
The above information can change at short notice. For up to date health information & vaccination requirements we recommend that you contact your medical practitioner or a travel clinic.
Malaria: Vaccinations are not available against Malaria, which is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes that can be very serious and sometimes fatal. You should avoid mosquito bites by covering up bare skin with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers and applying insect repellents to exposed skin. When necessary, sleep under a mosquito net. Mosquitoes are most active during and after sunset. You should consult with your GP/medical practitioner/travel clinic about the most appropriate malaria prophylactic medication to take for the regions you are visiting.
Yellow Fever: This disease is spread by infected mosquitoes that bite during the day. A Yellow Fever Certificate of vacinnation may be required as a condition of entry depending on which country you are arriving from, or that you have travelled or transitted through recently (including connecting flights with stopovers of over 12 hours). You can view this US CDC information about where the virus is present and follow the links to further information detailing which countries need you to have a Yellow Fever vaccination as part of their entry requirements. Please ensure you have this certificate with you and to hand if necessary.
Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or asthma and any prescription medicine you may be taking. We also need to know about any food allergies or physical disabilities that you may have. -
What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is not part of Thai culture but has become customary but not compulsory in the tourist and service industry. Tipping is always optional, and any amounts paid should reflect excellent service. You may therefore wish to tip your guide and driver at the end of the tour. You should not feel obliged to tip any particular amount, and should consider your personal budget. We are often asked to provide a guide however, and can suggest that approx. GBP 5 / USD 8 per person per day would be appropriate.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). You do not need to arrange to bring any Thai Baht with you to Thailand, as change facilities are readily available in the airport, hotels and banks. We recommend that you consider bringing both credit cards and some cash in a hard currency (e.g. GB Pounds, Euros, US Dollars).
ATMs are readily available in the arrivals hall of Bangkok airport and in most major towns. Many local shops in larger towns and resorts will accept VISA/Mastercard or Amex, but may charge fees of up to 10% - check before you pay. Travellers cheques are not recommended as they can not be changed in many places now, and can incur high fees.
For security we recommend that you use the safety deposit box in your hotel room or at the hotel reception if available. You should also be careful of pickpockets in crowded places, especially places like Khao San Road in Bangkok.
While in Thailand you will need sufficient funds to cover meals not included in the itinerary, drinks, snacks, souvenirs and personal expenses such as laundry. Check the Included/Excluded notes below the tour itinerary for more guidance. These should generally all be paid for in Thai Baht.
It is difficult to recommend a level of personal spending money which will suit everyone as this can differ greatly, but as a guideline, we would suggest allowing USD 15-25 per person per day as a minimum. Allow more if you plan on doing lots of shopping, or buying many alcoholic drinks. -
Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.
Most foreign nationals (including UK, EU, USA, CA, AU, NZ, SA) are granted a visa exemption on arrival for stays in the country of up to 30 days. If you are looking to spend longer in Thailand then you will need to leave the country and re-enter to extend your stay. We strongly recommend arranging your visa in advance if you would like to stay longer than 30 days in Thailand.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.